At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United Kingdom based Managing Director operating in the Security space. If you think a Managing Director is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Marc Waters
Managing Director UK&I of Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Marc is the UK & Ireland Managing Director for Hewlett Packard Enterprise. He joined HP Company in November 1999 and was appointed Managing Director in July 2016. As UK&I Managing Director, Marc is responsible for all people and business operations. He oversees a technology portfolio that includes Hybrid Cloud, Edge solutions and comprehensive set of services capabilities. Previously Marc has held key positions including Vice President Enterprise Group, Services Sales Director, Chief of Staff and a number of Sales Management roles. Marc is a passionate supporter of UK business and actively engaged with both Government and the CBI. A practitioner of values based leadership he believes business is a force for good and places personal energy into supporting opportunities for young people. Marc holds a Masters in Business Administration from Henley Business School. He has five children and is interested in football, politics and economics.
Follow Marc Waters:
About Hewlett Packard Enterprise: Hewlett Packard Enterprise is an industry technology company that enables customers to go further and faster.
Ian Evans
Managing Director, EMEA of OneTrust
Ian Evans is vice president and managing director, EMEA, at AirWatch. He is responsible for growing AirWatch’s business in the European, Middle Eastern and African regions. Evans brings more than 20 years of experience in the software industry to AirWatch, with more than 10 years in direct and channel sales. He has been successful in helping companies achieve forecasted goals by structuring sales and operation processes and coaching sales teams to deliver multi-year, multimillion-dollar contracts.
Follow Ian Evans:
About OneTrust: OneTrust helps companies manage privacy, security, and governance requirements in a regulatory environment that constantly changes.
Vikas Tripathi
Managing Director of Heliocor
Follow Vikas Tripathi:
About Heliocor: Heliocor is a regulatory technology company.We are building a global anti fraud ecosystem based on our Robolitics and Dokstor SaaS products.
Oliver Brough
Managing Director, EMEA of Trusona
Olly Brough serves as the Managing Director of EMEA at Trusona.
Follow Oliver Brough:
About Trusona: Trusona secures identity authentication, removes passwords from the user experience, and elevate login experience.
Alex Deane
Senior Managing Director (Partner) Strategic Communications, Head of Public Affairs UK of FTI Consulting
Alex Deane is a Senior Managing Director (Partner) Strategic Communications, Head of Public Affairs UK at FTI Consulting.
Follow Alex Deane:
About FTI Consulting: FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm.
Maureen Kerr
Managing Director of FTI Consulting
Maureen Kerr is a Managing Director at FTI Consulting and is based in London. Ms. Kerr specialises in advising companies in the media & entertainment, digital and marketing services industries. Her work covers new business entry strategy and implementation, mergers and acquisition (M&A) advisory, post-integration planning, business plan development and due diligence. Since joining FTI, Ms Kerr has led transactions and commercial due diligence projects for Private Equity funds and Corporates in the media sectors, comprising: film/tv rights, content production and distribution, broadcast services, advertising technology, multi-player network platform, information/data & Insights markets. Prior to joining FTI, Ms. Kerr lead business strategy and M&A for US-based Media Group working with the private equity group Apollo Global. From 2011, she headed up the M&A team at Fremantle Media, an international TV production and distribution group and lead a number of transactions in the USA and Europe in the areas of production, branded content and digital services. She co-founded MLJ Partners LLP in 2006, a business strategy and corporate finance advisory firm. Prior to forming MLJ, she was at United Business Media, a FTSE 100 company, where she held served in several capacities including M&A Director, reporting to the CEO. Ms. Kerr advised on all aspects of investment strategy and divestiture. She also led the integration planning efforts across all transactions. She began her career at KPMG Management Consultants, where she served as a consultant in the strategy, economics and marketing group.
Follow Maureen Kerr:
About Chelsea Apps Factory, FTI Consulting, MLJ Partners: FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm.
Gemma Doyle
Managing Director of FTI Consulting
Follow Gemma Doyle:
About FTI Consulting: FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm.
Charlie Hudson
Managing Director of Firemind
Entrepreneur – Creative, experienced innovator and leader of analytics with a plethora of skills to help C-level executives make informed decisions through the visualisation of insight nuggets buried in copious amounts of data.
Follow Charlie Hudson:
About Firemind, Firemind Ventures: AWS Advanced Partner specialising in professional cloud services, AWS strategy, data focused projects and AI/ML innovation.
Ahmed Nuaman
Managing Director of Firemind
Follow Ahmed Nuaman:
About Firemind, Firemind Ventures, Scout Solutions, Upcoming: AWS Advanced Partner specialising in professional cloud services, AWS strategy, data focused projects and AI/ML innovation.
Li Wang
Managing Director of Biosite Systems
Li is a founding member of the Biosite team. Li oversees strategic direction and commercial operations, ensuring value is delivered to all clients. Li has a strong background in algorithm system design and development.
Follow Li Wang:
About Biosite Systems: Biosite delivers biometric fingerprint technology solutions to the Construction sector.
Adrian Moore
Managing Director of Allied Universal
Follow Adrian Moore:
About Allied Universal: Allied Universal provides security solutions.
Managing Director and Co-Founder of CISO International
Follow Naveen Vasudeva:
About CISO International: CISO International is Digital Platform to enable access to cost effective Information and Cyber Security Advisory and solutions.
Kirsten Connell
Managing Director of CyLon
Kirsten joined Seedcamp in early 2011 from E-Synergy where she managed Investment Readiness Programmes in London, Northern Ireland and continental Europe and sourced deal flow. At Seedcamp Kirsten is the epicenter of the Seedcamp network and leads the schedule of events throughout the year. Deciding what are the key cities to visit, what are the up and coming tech hubs of Europe and who are the founders they need to meet certainly keeps her busy. A large portion of Kirsten’s role involves interacting with local partners to grow Seedcamp’s network and outreach to the local start-up communities. Both are essential in ensuring they attract the best local start-ups. For the entrepreneurs out there looking to apply to Seedcamp, Kirsten is likely your first point of contact as the woman behind the application process. She also manages Seedcamp’s network of mentors and their annual sponsors. Kirsten grew up in the Netherlands and holds a BA (hons) degree in Business Management. Kirsten combines her charisma, superior organisational skills and passion for European tech to grow their platform and make it go.
Follow Kirsten Connell:
About CyLon: CyLon is the world’s leading cyber security accelerator and seed investment programme.
Beth Hepworth
Managing Director, Intelligence of Protection Group International
Beth heads PGI’s Intelligence Team, specialising in Geopolitical and Investigative Intelligence. Prior to arriving at PGI at the start of 2017, Beth founded and scaled a business intelligence company operating in ‘frontier’ markets including Libya, Egypt, Ghana and Myanmar. She has over a decade of experience supporting both corporate and government clients operating in complex environments and has lived and worked extensively in the Middle East, North Africa and South East Asia.
Follow Beth Hepworth:
About Protection Group International: PGI specialise in the secure protection of assets: human, physical, legal, intellectual property, financial and operational.
Dave Beesley
Founder & Managing Director of NetDef
Follow Dave Beesley:
About NetDef: NetDef is a specialist IT security solutions and managed services.
Sarah Janes
Managing Director of Layer 8
Follow Sarah Janes:
About Layer 8: Layer 8 empowers security managers to deliver and sustain effective cyber security culture.
Nigel Bowdery
Managing Director, EMEA of Thales e-Security
Nigel Bowdery is a Managing Director, EMEA at Thales e-Security.
Follow Nigel Bowdery:
About Thales e-Security: Thales e-Security is a leading supplier of data protection and cyber security solutions to the financial services, government technology.
René Lagrèze
Managing Director and Co-founder of ilex international
René Lagrèze shares Laurent Gautier’s passion for IT technologies. He holds a Master’s degree in telecommunications and a post graduate diploma from the Saclay Nuclear Research Centre (one of 9 laboratories from the French Commission for Atomic Energy). In 1978, he works on the first major SMART card project initiated by BULL and Roland Moreno, the inventor of the smart card. He then joins BNP to lead the bank’s team in charge of designing the IBM based version of its agency system. In 1989, René creates ILEX with Laurent. He leads several consulting and presales missions for Philips and Digital Equipment Corporation and works on the Credit Agricole’s (largest French Bank) agency system’s middleware and telecom design. In 1996, René creates and leads the Ilex Health Care team which will design and write the middleware for the French Health Care multi OS / multi-platform Smart Cards (for patients and Health Care Professionals). René’s technical expertise and leadership has been a major asset and a key enabler in Ilex’s decision to develop its IT Security Software Suite in 2000. René is also an enthusiastic Marathon and Trail runner.
Follow René Lagrèze:
About ILEX, ilex international: Ilex International is a European software vendor which specialises in Identity & Access Management solutions (IAM).
Jon Fielding
Managing Director of Apricorn
Jon is CISSP certified and has been focused on Information Security for the past 18 years, working with a variety of organisations from IBM to security start-ups such as Valicert, Ironkey and Tumbleweed. Jon is now the Managing Director of Apricorn in EMEA and brings extensive experience in evangelising security best practice and is responsible for sales & operations strategy, driving revenue growth and establishing the channel network in the region.
Follow Jon Fielding:
About Apricorn: Apricorn, Inc. is a leader in the design and manufacture of PC storage products, utilities and accessories.
Deshini Newman
Managing Director – EMEA of (ISC)2
As Managing Director for EMEA, Deshini Newman leads the (ISC)² team across the region. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing strategy for the EMEA region and supporting the (ISC)² global vision and mission. Before Joining (ISC)2, Deshini held several education leadership roles, at Edexcel International, Pearson Group, and most recently Cambridge Assessment English, where she held positions as Global Manager of Strategy, Assistant Director, Global Business Development and Global Head of Higher Education and Adult Sector. Cambridge Assessment English has provided English language assessments and qualifications since 1913, and is part of Cambridge Assessment Group, Cambridge University (UK).
Follow Deshini Newman:
About (ISC)2: (ISC)2 is the official organization that maintains and administers the CISSP certification exam.
Steve Cobham
Managing Director, Data Division of Stack Group
Follow Steve Cobham:
About Stack Group: The Stack Group provide a comprehensive range of IT services and solutions.
George Bradbury
Managing Director, Telecom Division of Stack Group
Follow George Bradbury:
About Stack Group: The Stack Group provide a comprehensive range of IT services and solutions.
Phil McCartney
Managing Director, Interconnect Division of Stack Group
Follow Phil McCartney:
About Stack Group: The Stack Group provide a comprehensive range of IT services and solutions.
Jeff Orr
Founder, Chairman & Managing Director of Stack Group
Follow Jeff Orr:
About Stack Group: The Stack Group provide a comprehensive range of IT services and solutions.
Murray Pearce
Managing Director and Co-founder of Bright Cyber
Follow Murray Pearce:
About Bright Cyber: Bright Cyber provides a cyber resilience solution with primary reliance on security assurance.
Norman Frankel
Regional Managing Director- UK/Europe of Stanchion
Follow Norman Frankel:
About Stanchion: Stanchion provides payments security, consulting, payment management support and systems integration solutions for banks and credit unions.
Sean McAvan
Managing Director of NaviSite
Sean McAvan is responsible for directing the growth of Navisite, LLC. through active development of channel and partner programs and building the direct channel through targeted new business development and marketing activities. Sean has over 15 years work experience in complex IT solution provision, with a proven track record in the Hosting and Cloud Computing industry. He has demonstrable skills in building and motivating teams to exceed targets, to increase client service levels and to both build new partnerships and to actively develop these for mutual gain. He has consistently been highly successful in the management of his business. Prior to his second tenure at Navisite, Sean was the Chief Commercial Officer at Global Nexus Telecom in the Bahamas and Vice President EMEA Sales for Datapipe.
Follow Sean McAvan:
About NaviSite: Navisite is a managed cloud service provider and renders database services, data analytics, compliance and platform services.
Marek Wakar
Managing Director, Catelas UK of Catelas
Marek has 20 years experience in retail financial services covering strategy, distribution, operations, and general management. He has held senior positions within the Lloyds Abbey Life Group (within three business units and centrally in the plc) and then moved on to Accenture where he was an Associate Partner. In the last five years Marek has run and part-owned a consultancy company which specializes in advising insurance companies; he has also invested in and advised smaller companies. Marek graduated in 1980 from the University of Durham and in 1987 obtained an MBA from the London Business School.
Follow Marek Wakar:
About Catelas: Catelas offers e-surveillance and risk analytics software that caters to the financial services industry.
Roy Cooper
Managing Director of Professional Security Magazine
Roy Cooper is Managing Director @ Professional Security Magazine.
Follow Roy Cooper:
About Professional Security Magazine: Professional Security Magazine provides latest security sector news and views for security professionals.
Stuart Glover
Group Managing Director of Securus Group
Stuart Glover is a Group Managing Director at Securus Group.
Follow Stuart Glover:
About Securus Group: The Securus Group is one of the UK’s leading independent providers of electronic life safety and security products and services.
Ray Bryant
Chairman and Managing Director, CEO of Idappcom
Ray started working life in a firm of London chartered accountants, qualified as Chartered Company Secretary in 1979. His career in I.T. started at the Control Data Corporation, in finance, production and logistics. Ray spent fifteen years with Ciba Geigy Switzerland, working on Finance and ERP software implementations in the UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Turkey and the Philippines. Ray also worked at SSA Global Technologies as a financial systems consultant culminating in the creation of an independent compliance company, SLA Management Services (Barham Group) which Ray headed as chairman and managing director. The Barham Group, during the next six years, grew to service many I.T. companies including one of the largest IBM mid range, UNIX, ERP and CRM software providers in the world. Ray took the company from start up to successful sale in 2008.
Follow Ray Bryant:
About Idappcom: Idappcom supplied software and hardware that enhances network security, reducing risk and lowering cost of ownership of devices.
David Wadsworth
Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director, UK of WMC Global
David Wadsworth oversees the WMC Global Group’s strategic financial direction as he plans, manages, and reports on group finances. His more than 40 years in financial management ensure the success of the group’s entrepreneurial endeavors. David brings extensive management and business development experience as a chartered accountant, having specialized in mobile technology, marketing and media, and property companies. His expertise in managing and resourcing business development for venture capital and investment finance groups enables him to evaluate markets and identify financial and business opportunities for the WMC Global Group—supporting its continued growth. In his role as managing director, David leads his team in opening new opportunities in the United Kingdom, as well as pursuing new opportunities and markets in Europe, and manages the effective delivery of products and solutions to clients. David earned his MA in History at the University of Oxford.
Follow David Wadsworth:
About WMC Global: Worldwide Brand and Customer Protection At Scale
Ian McDermott
Co-Founder & Managing Director of Loksys Solutions
Ian McDermott is Co-Founder & Managing Directors at Loksys Solutions.
Follow Ian McDermott:
About Loksys Solutions: Loksys Solutions develops solutions for security and tracking issues that exist in the intermodal, freight, and haulage industries.
Simon Wilkinson
Founder/Managing Director of Superpowered Email
Follow Simon Wilkinson:
About Superpowered Email: Superpowered Email is an email security service provider that offers online user identity protection services to its users.
William Despard
Managing Director Africa of Teknov8
William Despard is the managing director at Teknov8 Africa.
Follow William Despard:
About Teknov8: Teknov8 provides managed IT services to help businesses accelerate business activity and boost efficiency.
William Despard
Managing Director Africa of Teknov8
William Despard is the managing director at Teknov8 Africa.
Follow William Despard:
About Teknov8: Teknov8 provides managed IT services to help businesses accelerate business activity and boost efficiency.
Andrew Brown
Managing Director of Communication Stem
Follow Andrew Brown:
About Communication Stem: Communication Stem is a globally recognised reputation for helping businesses with their delivery of productivity & recreational assurance.
Andrew Brown
Managing Director of Communication Stem
Follow Andrew Brown:
About Communication Stem: Communication Stem is a globally recognised reputation for helping businesses with their delivery of productivity & recreational assurance.
Tony Smith
Managing Director of Fortinus Global
Global Border Management Consulant. Former Director General, UK Border Force and SRO for UKBA London 2012 Olympic Border Security Programme. Over 40 years experience in global border management and border security programs and operations.
Follow Tony Smith:
About Fortinus Global: Fortinus Global is a international consultancy company offering the very best advice available in border security, immigration.
Tony Smith
Managing Director of Fortinus Global
Global Border Management Consulant. Former Director General, UK Border Force and SRO for UKBA London 2012 Olympic Border Security Programme. Over 40 years experience in global border management and border security programs and operations.
Follow Tony Smith:
About Fortinus Global: Fortinus Global is a international consultancy company offering the very best advice available in border security, immigration.
Frank Crouwel
Managing Director of NW Systems Group
Follow Frank Crouwel:
About NW Systems Group: NW Systems Group is a company that is a Specialist supplier and integrator of IP-based CCTV & Security Systems.
